Ready service tray for missile weapon



March 29, 1966 M. J. BAUER 3,242,809

READY SERVICE TRAY FOR MISSILE WEAPON Filed Dec. 21, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR Myra/z J Bauer NEYS March 29, 1966 M. J. BAUER READY SERVICE TRAY FOR MISSILE WEAPON Filed Dec. 21, 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 29, 1966 M. J. BAUER READY SERVICE TRAY FOR MISSILE WEAPON 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 21, 1959 mom NN NNQ N. NON

M. J. BAUER READY SERVICE TRAY FOR MISSILE WEAPON March 29, 1966 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 21, 1959 STATION NUMBERS sumswi March 29, 1966 M. J. BAUER 3,242,809

READY SERVICE TRAY FOR MISSILE WEAPON Filed Dec. 21, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 29, 1966 M. J. BAUER READY SERVICE TRAY FOR MISSILE WEAPON '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Dec. 21, 1959 March 29, 1966 M. J. BAUER READY SERVICE TRAY FOR MISSILE WEAPON 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Dec. 21, 1959 United States Patent 3,242,809 READY SERVICE TRAY FOR MISSILE WEAPON Myron J. Bauer, St. Paul, Minn., assignor, by mesne assignments, to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy Filed Dec. 21, 1959, Ser. No. 861,160 2 Claims. (Cl. 891.7)

This invention relates generally to article handling equipment, and, more particularly, it pertains to ordnance weapon trays for expeditiously and safely storing and manipulating delicate, clumsy, unwieldy or bulky missile weapons and automatically identifying them one from another.

The trays for missile weapons, often referred to as ready service trays, of this invention, are part of a ready service mechanism for a guided missile launching system which are the subject of copending patent applications entitled Guided Missile Launching System, Serial No. 848,163, filed October 22, 1959, by Myron J. Bauer et al., and Ready Service Mechanism for a Guided Missile Launching System, Serial No. 31,785, filed May 25, 1960, by Myron J. Bauer et al., respectively.

It has been the practice in the past to handle missile weapons and similar weapon articles by manual labor or perhaps with cranes aided by slings or extemporaneous pallets. As the state of the art progressed, the missile weapons or ordnance articles became more gross and heavy, and, at the same time, more complex and delicate or subject to damage from rough handling. Furthermore, a demand has arisen for automatic, rapid selection of a particular missile weapon or ordnance article type from a store of missile weapons or ordnance articles at a particular station and quick transfer thereof to a further station for disposal thereof.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a protective storage and handling tray for ordnance weapon articles.

Another object of this invention is to provide an article engaging tray mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide an article identifying mechanism in a holding tray.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a load status signalling mechanism for an article storage tray.

And yet another object of this invention is to provide a cradling support in a weapon handling tray.

Another object of this invention is to provide a shock absorber for an article cradled in a supporting tray.

Another object of this invention is to provide an empty tray vibration cancelling mechanism.

And yet another object of this invention is to provide leveling rollers and skids for lateral transport and support of article trays.

In accordance with the invention, there are provided ready service trays for storing and handling of missile weapons. These trays are part of a ready service mechanism of a guided missile launching system. Each ready service mechanism contains eight trays. Each tray contains one mated missile-booster combination having either an S-type missile (standard type warhead) or a W-type missile (atomic type Warhead).

Each missile-booster combination is secured in the bottom of its respective tray by lower forward and lower aft shoes of the booster. The missile is also centrally cradled in the tray but is not secured thereto.

The trays function as an integral part of the ready service mechanism. These trays support the missilebooster combinations in the ready service mechanisms. Any movement of the missile-booster combinations, with respect to the trays, is restricted during indexing of the trays in the ready service mechanisms.

Each tray indicates, through its ready service mechanism, its load status to the appropriate control panels in the guided missile launching system. This indication of the tray is given at all tray stations except two stations, which are normally empty. In addition, an empty tray indication is given at the rear center hoist and at the right rear end hoist. The end hoist indication is associated with strikedown of missile-booster combinations.

When the tray with the selected missile type is hoisted to a loader, tray components, which operate in conjunction with the ready service mechanism, release the lower forward and aft booster shoes so that the missile-booster combination can be transferred to the loader.

Each booster contains two pair of shoes that are lo cated on diametrically opposite sides, at the fore and aft ends of the booster. When the missile-booster combination is in a ready service mechanism, it is supported and secured by the bottom pair of shoes in the tray. However, when the missile-booster combination is transferred to the loader, it is suspended by an upper pair of booster shoes from the rail of the loader.

Each tray consists of a tray truss frame or weldment, to which is mounted a missile-type selection indicator, an empty tray vibration absorber, an aft shoe receptacle and latch, a forward shoe receptacle, and a vibration dampener for the forward support of the missile of the missilebooster combination. The forward and aft ends of each tray are provided with a roller bracket.

The tray consists of an elongated rectangular all-steel weldment or truss frame formed by four horizontal rails which are joined by tubing. Except for the ends, the tray is of an open frame construction.

In addition to the tubing, the tray is braced by a plurality of spaced crescent-shaped plates which are vertically welded inside the tray. These plates are used as brace plates and they do not support the missile booster.

Each tray contains bumper strips which are located at each end on the outboard sides. Each bumper strip fits into a vertical recess and it is secured in place by socket head cap screws. The bumper strips cushion the bumping of the trays and reduce the metallic clanging of trays rubbing together.

Many other objects and attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the follow ing detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. la is an isometric view of a tray assembly, with dot-dash lines showing a missile-booster combination in place in the tray assembly:

FIG. 1b is a detailed isometric view of a tray aft latch, partly in section, illustrating the latched position in the tray assembly;

FIG. 10 is a detailed isometric view of a portion of a forward shoe receptacle, partly in section, in latched position in the tray assembly;

FIG. 1d is a detailed isometric view, partly in section, of a missile vibration dampener for the tray assembly;

FIG. le is a detailed isometric view, partly in section of an empty tray vibration absorber for the tray assembly;

FIG. 2a is a dimetric view of the front end of a tray assembly;

FIG. 2b is a front elevation of a roller bracket;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation of the roller bracket;

FIG. 2d is a side elevation of a rocker;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of a missile type indicator and aft shoe receptacle and latch assembly, partly cut-away and partly in section;

FIG. 4 is a dimetric view of a front stand;

FIG. 5 is a hydraulic schematic showing details of a missile vibration absorber; I

FIG. 6 is a dimetric view of a typical ready service mechanism, fully loaded with missile-booster combinations; and

FIG. 7 is an outline drawing of a ready service mechanism in normal stowed position; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a missile weapon.

Referring now to FIGS. la to le, inclusive, 6, and 7, of the drawings, the trays 502 are elongated, rigid, basketlike structures with rollers and skids at their ends which are adapted for sideways travel and hoisting in a ready service mechanism 500.

The ready service mechanism 500, basically, is an intermediate storage and ready access arrangement for ordnance weapon articles, such as missile-booster combinations 300, each formed of a missile 100 and a booster 200, held together by a clamping ring 402, shown in FIG. 8. In essence, the ready service mechanism 500 consists of a pair of spaced stands 504 and 514 which support between them a plurality of the trays 502.

By means of rails, tray engaging latches, shuttling crossheads and end hoists, the plurality of trays 502 may be moved, substantially as a unit, in a rectangular under-upover-and-down path until a desired tray is positioned where required.

Each ready service mechanism 500 contains eight trays 502. Each tray 502, in the present invention, contains one mated missile-booster combination 300. As shown in FIG. 8, each missile-booster combination 300 consists of the missile 100 and the booster 200 secured together by the clamping ring 402. When the wings 102 and fins 104 are mounted on the missile 100 and fins 208 to the booster 200, the missile-booster combination 300 becomes a missile weapon 400. The missile 100 is provided with a warhead arming mechanism 110, while the booster 200- is provided with an arming mechanism 206. The missilebooster combination 300 is secured in the bottom of the tray 502 by lower booster forward and aft shoes 203 and 205, respectively, shown best in FIGS. 6 and 8. The missile 100 is cradled intermediate its ends in the tray 502 but is not secured thereto. This means that the missile-booster combination 300 is supported at three places in the tray 502, namely, at the lower booster aft shoe 205, at the lower booster forward shoe 203, and at the missile support cradle.

Each ready service mechanism has ten tray stations, as shown best in FIG. 7, but contains only eight trays 502. The stations are numbered in a clockwise direction from 1 to 10 starting at station 1, the center hoist position. Normally, stations 9 and 3 are empty, except during actual indexing of the trays 502 from one station to another. In order to move a tray 502 to another station, all trays 502 must be indexed (moved) clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, one complete indexing cycle of the ready service mechanism 500 moves the trays 502 only one station (clockwise or counterclockwise). For example, to move the tray 502 in station 4 to station 1, two complete indexing cycles of ready service mechanism 500 are necessary.

In function, the trays 502 operate as an integral part of the ready service mechanism 500. The trays 502 support the missile-booster combinations 300 in the ready service mechanism 500 and restrict any movement, with respect to the trays 502, during indexing of the trays 502 in the ready service mechanism 500.

Each tray 502 indicates, through its ready service mechanism 500, its load status to appropriate control panels in the guided missile launching system. This indication is given at all tray stations except 3 and 9, which are normally empty. In addition, an empty tray indication is given at a pair of center hoists 508 and 509 and at the pairs of lower outboard end hoists 516, 517, and 518, 519, respectively. The end hoist indication is associated with strikedown of a missile-booster combination.

\Vhen the tray 502 with the selected missile type, that is, S-type or W-type, is hoisted to the overhead tramway or loader, tray components, which operate in conjunction with the ready service mechanism 502, release the lower forward and aft booster shoes 203 and 205, respectively, for transfer of the missile-booster combination 300 to the loader. The empty tray 502 then returns to the ready service mechanism 500.

It should be understood that when the missile-booster combination 300 is in ready service, it is supported and secured by the bottom pair of its lower forward and aft booster shoes 203 and 205. When the missile-booster combination 300 is transferred to the loader, it is suspended by an upper pair of similar booster shoe 202 and 204 from the loader rail, all shoes being shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

Each tray 502, as shown in detail in FIG. 1a, consists of a tray truss frame or weldment 1204, to which is mounted a missile-type selection indicator 1240, an empty tray vibration absorber 1330, an aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203, a forward shoe receptacle 1202, and a vibration dampener 1201 for the forward support of the missile of the missile-booster combination 300. The forward and aft ends of each tray 502 are provided with a roller bracket 1208, as shown in FIG. 2a.

The tray 502 consists of an elongated rectangular allsteel weldment or truss frame 1204 formed by four horizontal rails which are joined by tubing. Except for the ends, the tray 502 is of an open frame construction, as shown in FIG. la.

In addition to the tubing, the tray 502 is braced by a plurality of spaced crescent-shaped plates 1205 which are vertically welded inside the tray. These plates 1205 are used as brace plates and they do not support the missile 100 or booster 200.

Each tray 502 contains bumper strips 1211 which are located at each end on the outboard sides, as shown in FIG. 2a. Each bumper strip 1211 fits into a vertical recess and it is secured in place by socket head cap screws. The bumper strips 1211 cushion the bumping of the trays 502 and reduce the metallic clanging of trays rubbing together.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 2a, a bushing 1209 is mounted in recesses at both frame ends 1206 and 1207 of the tray 502. Each bushing 1209 is secured by three socket-head cap screws and lockwashers 1236, as shown in FIG. 3.

The frame end 1206 or 1207 of the tray 502 includes the roller bracket 1208, two saddles 1210, two trucks 1212, two keepers 1214, four rollers 1216, four eccentric pins 1218, a shoe 1220, a rocker 1222, a plate 1224, two bearings 1226, two bearing shims 1228, and a pad 1230, all arranged as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, inclusive. Both ends 1206 or 1207 of the tray 502 are essentially the same, differing only in that there is no rocker 1222 or missile type indicator 1240 provided for the front end 1206 of the tray 502.

The roller bracket 1208 is bolted to the frame end 1206 or 1207 with six socket-head cap screws, lockwashers, and nuts, and it is the main supporting member of the assembly. Two bushings 1232, identical to those on the ends of the frame end 1206 of the tray 502, are mounted in the same manner in recesses near the edges of each roller bracket 1208. These bushings 1232 as well as the bushings 1209 serve as receptacles for tray locking bars for securing the trays 502 within the ready service mechanism 500.

The saddles 1210, shown in FIG. 2b, are steel members machined fiat on the upper surface to mate with the under surface of the recesses in the trucks 1212 within the roller bracket 1208. The underside of each saddle 1210 is machined cylindrically to mate with the cylindrically machined upper surface of the trucks 1212, as shown in FIG. 26.

Each truck 1212 carries two rollers 1216 which ride on needle bearings and which are secured to the truck 1212 by means of the eccentric pins 1218 and roll pins 1219. The two trucks 1212, with their four rollers 1216, carry the weight of the end of the tray 502 and the missile-booster combination 300 on tray roller tracks 524 or 526, shown best in FIG. 4. The trucks 1212 are adjusted by rotating the eccentric pins 1218 in order to distribute the weight evenly on all rollers 1216.

Each truck 1212 is secured against its saddle 1210 by means of the keeper 1214 and a bolt 1234 nad a nut 1235, as shown in FIG. 2b. The bolts are tightened just Sllfl'lClCIlllY to hold the truck 1212 in place, but are loose enough to permit the truck 1212 to slide a few degrees in the fore and aft direction.

This motion, because of the cylindrical shape of the bearing surfaces, permits each truck 1212 to adjust itself to keep the rollers 1216 lying fiat on the tracks 524 and 526, and thus correct for any vertical misalignment during operation of the ready service mechanism 500. When adjustment is correct, the eccentric pin 1218 and truck 1212 are drilled and roll pinned to prevent further rotation of the eccentric pin 1218.

The shoe 1220, shown best in FIGS. 2a to 2c, is a hardened and ground strip of steel which provides a path for rollers provided on the end hoists of associated ready service mechanism 500. The shoe 1220 supports the weight of one end of the tray 502 and the missilebooster combination 300 when the tray 502 is being raised or lowered by these hoists. The shoe 1220 is secured to the bracket 1208 with eight socket-head cap screws and lockwashers 1236.

The rocker 1222, illustrated best in FIG. 2a, is a cylindrically machined block of steel, and it is located between the two trucks 1212. Rocker 1222 rides against the tray roller track to prevent endwise movement of the tray 502. The rocker 1222 rests between, and is retained in position by two bearings 1226, which are adjusted for clearance by means of two shims 1228.

Plate 1224 is secured to the top of the rocker 1222 by four screws 1225 and it presses against the rubber pad 1230. Any endwise movement of the tray 502 causes the rail to push against one side of the rocker 1222 and causes it to turn slightly, thus distorting the pad 1230 and providing a buffer action to halt the end movement of the tray 502.

The missile type selection indicator 1240 works in conjunction with the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203, while the missile vibration dampener 1201 functions in conjunction with the forward shoe receptacle 1202. Also, the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 as well as the forward shoe receptacle 1202 function simultaneously. The empty tray vibration absorber 1330 absorbs vibrations of the tray 502 when the tray is empty, that is, when the missile-booster combination 300 is not positioned therein.

The missile-type selection indicator 1240 is located at the aft end of the tray 502, as shown in FIG. la. It is horizontally mounted in the lower right-hand corner of the tray 502, as illustrated in FIG. 3. A vertical actuator rod 1242 extends upwardly therefrom to the top of the tray 502 where a handle 1244 is attached thereto. The missile-type selection indicator 1240 operates in conjunction with the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203. It is connected to the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 by a latch actuator rod 1246, shown in FIGS. 1a and 3.

The main components of the missile-type selection indicator 1240 include a latch actuator arm 1248, which is connected to the latch actuator rod 1246 from the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203; a Y-shaped switch actuator arm 1254 and detent cam 1250, which are splined to the vertical, hand-operated actuator rod 1242; and the handle 1244. In addition, the selection indicator 1240 includes two spring-loaded actuator caps 1262 and 1264 and switch actuators 1266, mounted in actuator blocks 1268. It also includes a pair of compression springs 1270, a switch actuator 1258 which is keyed to the latch actuator arm 1248, and a mounting bracket 1272, all arranged as shown in FIG. 3.

When a missile-booster combination 300 is loaded into the tray 502, the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 seeks the latch actuator arm 1248 on the indicator 1240. When engaged into the hand-operated detent cam 1250, a spring loaded detent 1252 on the latch actuator arm 1248 locks the Y-shaped switch actuator arm 1254 which extends one of a pair of switch actuators 1266 to indicate an S-type or W-type missile 1005 or W of a missile-booster combination 300 in the tray 502.

The switch actuator 1258 is also located where the latch actuator rod 1246 and latch actuator arm 1248 are joined together. This actuator 1258 indicates an empty tray 502 at the center hoists 508 and 509 and the position for outboard strikedown of a missile-booster combination 300.

When a tray 502 is to be unloaded of its missilebooster combination 300, an unlatching piston, not shown, extends into the tray 502 and contacts a roller 1260, shown in FIG. 3, on the latch actuator arm 1248 to uncock the latch actuator arm 1248 and latch the actuator rod 1246. The actuator rod 1246 retracts a receptacle latch plunger 1278 so that a pair of lower aft and forward booster shoes 205 and 203 of the missile-booster combination 300 may be disengaged from the tray receptacles 1203 and 1202, respectively.

The components of the missile-type selection indicator 1240 operate when the missile-booster combination 300 is loaded into the tray 502 or when the missile-booster combination 300 in the tray 502 is being removed. During loading of a missile-booster combination 300 into a tray 502, the lower booster aft shoe 205 is moved back in its receptacle 1203 until the latch plunger 1278 extends and locks a shoe guide block 1280, as illustrated in FIG. 3. When the latch plunger 1278 extends, the latch actuator rod 1246 is pulled ahead to pivot the latch actuator arm 1248 so that its spring-loaded detent 1252 contacts the detent cam 1250, with the actuator arm 1248 being cocked.

The detent 1252 is depressed against the pressure of its spring. The empty tray switch actuator 1258 attached to the latch actuator arm 1248 is then moved forward. In this position, the actuator 1258 misses a tray-empty signal switch, not shown, mounted thereunder in the strikedown station and in the center hoists of the ready service mechanism. The tray 502 is now loaded with a desired missile-booster combination 300.

In order for an indication of an S-type or W-type missile 1008 or 100W to appear on the control panels, one of the missile-type switch actuators 1266 must be extended on the selection indicator 1240 on the tray 502. The missile-type indicator handle 1244 is then set, it being assumed that the crew member at the tray 502 knows if the tray contains an S-type or a W-type missile 1005 or 100W of the missile-booster combination 300.

The indicator handle 1244 at the top of the tray 502 is toggle positioned to correspond with the missile 100$ or 100W in the tray 502. The bracket for the handle 1244 is marked W on the left side and S on the right side to indicate the missile type as previously mentioned. The indicator handle 1244 is spring-loaded so that it will not be dislodged into the opposite position by vibration of the tray 502. This applies to Dud indication, as will be described later.

The indicator handle 1244 is also pivoted so it can be moved within the S or W position thereof. With the handle 1244 spring positioned in an appropriate S or W slot, it is then pulled back. The missile-type indicator 1240 is now properly positioned to indicate the missile-type 1008 or 100W loaded in the tray 502 at the control panels of the guided missile launching system.

When the indicator handle 1244 is pulled back, it rotates the vertically mounted actuator rod 1242. The detent cam 1250 and the switch actuator arm 1254, as

n i r previously mentioned, are splined to the bottom of the rod 1242 and move with the indicator handle 1244. Detent cam 1250 is rotated until the spring-loaded detent 1252 on the latch actuator arm 1248 engages a detent hole in the cam 1250. When this occurs, the proper end of the Y-shaped switch actuator arm 1254 is locked on its actuator cap 1262 or 1264.

The actuator 1258 depresses the actuator cap 1262 or 1264 causing the switch actuator 1266 to extend through the bottom. The switch actuator 1266 depresses the appropriate switch at each ready service station (except Stations 9 and 3) to indicate the missile 100$ or 100W in each station in the ready service mechanism 500. The indication of the missile type 1005 or 100W is relayed to missile-type indicator lights on the appropriate control panels of the system.

The aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 is located near the aft end of the tray 502, as illustrated in FIG. 3. It is horizontally mounted in the bottom and at the center of the tray 502. The aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 is connected to the missile-type selection indicator 1240 by the latch actuator rod 1246.

The aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 supports the aft end of the missile-booster combination 300 in the tray 502. It also provides a bearing surface for the lower aft shoe 205 of the missile-booster combination 300. The aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 secures the aft booster shoe 205 and it restricts any fore and aft movement of the missile-booster combination 300 in the tray 502.

During the loading of a tray 502 with a missile-booster combination 300, when the booster aft shoe 205 becomes positioned, the latch of the receptacle 1203 locks the shoe 205 in position and additionally cocks the latch actuator arm 1248 on the missile type selection indicator 1240. To unload the missile-booster combination 300 from the tray 502, the latch of the receptacle 1203 is retracted through the latch actuator arm 1248 and latch actuator rod 1246.

The components of the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 include a guide block support 1282, which forms the base for the guide block 1280; a stop bar 1284 on the forward end and right-hand and left-hand guide levers 1286 on the aft end; and two tension springs (not shown) which are mounted to the guide block 1280 and the stop bar 1284.

Additional components of the aft shoe receptacle latch 1203 include a latch housing 1288 to which all latch parts are mounted, the previously mentioned latch plunger 1278, a compression spring 1290, a latch end plate 1292, a latch actuator 1294, and a threaded adjustment yoke 1296, all arranged as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Because of the physical location and related function of its components, the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203 is considered as a single unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the aft shoe receptacle components are mounted to the bottom of the tray 50 2. The receptacle latch components are located alongside but are anchored to a vertical brace plate (not shown) at the forward end.

When the tray 502 is empty, the aft shoe guide block 1280 is located on the forward end of the receptacle and latch 1203 against the stop bar 1284. The latch plunger 1278 is retracted but pressure from the spring 1290 keeps it in contact on the side of the guide block 1280.

The plunger 1278 and guide block 1280 are provided with mating beveled surfaces. It is this contact between the surfaces of the guide block 1280 and plunger 1278 in addition to the tension springs which insures that the guide block 1280 will not wander from this position during vibration of the .tray 502. The guide block 1280 must be in this position for the loading of the rnissile-booster combination 300 into the tray 502.

When a missile-booster combination 300 is loaded into the tray 502, the lower aft booster shoe 205 enters the guide (block 1280 of the receptacle and latch 1203.

The missilebooster combination 300 is lowered until the bottom surface of the lower aft booster shoe 205 is resting on the guide block which is provided without a bottom.

The missile-booster combination 300 is then moved aft in the tray 502. The guide block 1280 and aft booster shoe 205 are moved aft with the protruding surfaces of the shoe 205 passing under the guide levers 128.6. The aft movement of the missile-booster combination 300 continues until the guide block 1280 contacts a raised end 1298 of the guide block support 1282. At the end of travel, the spring-loaded latch plunger 1278 extends to lock the guide block 1280 in the position shown in FIG. lb. When the latch plunger 1278 extends, the latch actuator arm 1248 on the missile-type selection indicator 1240 is then cocked.

When the missile booster combination 300 is to be unloaded from the tray 502, the receptacle latch plunger 1278 must be retracted to free the guide block 1280. This is accomplished by hydraulically operated missile unl-atching pistons on the ready service mechanism 500.

When the necessary conditions are satisfied, the missile unlatohing piston then extends. It contacts the roller 1260 on the free end of the latch actuator arm 1248 on the indicator 1240, as shown in FIG. 3. The latch actuator arm 1248 is then pivoted. The latch actuator rod 1246, which is connected to the latch actuator arm 1248, is then pulled back to pivot the latch actuator 1294. Actuator 1294 then retracts the latch plunger 127 8 against the pressure of its spring.

The missile unlatching piston remains extended until the missile booster combination 300 is moved forward by crane or otherwise so that the aft shoe guide block 1280 is against the stop bar 1284. The aft booster shoe 205 is now free to be removed from the aft shoe receptacle and latch 1203.

When the missile-unlatching piston retracts, the springloaded latch plunger 1278 extends so that it is against the side of the guide block 1280. A beveled surface on the latch plunger 1278 contacts a mating surface on the guide block 1280 to hold it in this position.

The forward booster shoe receptacle 1202, illustrated in FIG. 1c, is located in the tray 502 at the position shown. It is physically connected to the vibration dampener 1201 by two carrier rods 1302. The forward shoe receptacle 1202 operates with the aft shoe receptacle 1203 of the tray 502 to receive the lower forward and aft shoes 203 and 205 of the booster. It supports the [lflllSSl'lG-bOOSt6I' combination 300 at its center support point in the tray 502. The forward booster shoe receptacle 1202 provides a bearing surface for the lower forward shoe 203 and restricts any movement at this point of the missile-booster combination 300 in the tray 502.

The components of the forward shoe receptacle 1202, as shown in FIGS. 1a, 10, and 1d, are left-hand and righthand forward shoe tracks 1304, left-hand and right-hand carrier links 1306, two compression springs 1308, and a pair of front and rear carrier link brackets 13-12 and 1310, respectively, all mechanically associated as shown. The carrier links 1306 are connected to the vibration dampener .1201 by means of the carrier rods 1302.

The carrier links 1306 are supported by the front and rear carrier link brackets 1312 and 1310. The brackets 13 12 and 1310 are anchored to the shoe tracks 1304 with the carrier links 1306 being arranged to move back and forth thereon. A U-shaped part on the carrier links 1306 also travels in the shoe track 1304. The compression springs 1308 on the forward end of the carrier links 1306 keep the vibration dampener 1201 and carrier links 1306 in their forward positions when the tray 502 is empty of a missile-booster combination 300.

When the tray 502 is empty, the carrier links 1306 on the forward shoe receptacle 1202 are located in the forward position, butted against the front carrier link brackets 13-12. These links 1306 are maintained in this position by the compression springs 1308 located at the front of the receptacle 1202. In this position, the U- s-haped part on the carrier link 1306 is aligned with an entry-exit slot or receptacle 13 14 in the shoe track for the forward booster shoe 203.

When the tray 502 is being loaded with a missilebooster combination 300, the latter is horizontally lowered into the tray 50-2. The outboard ends of the lower forward booster shoe 203 enter the re'ctangularshaped openings formed by the carrier links 1306 and shoe track slots 1314. The missile-booster combination 300 is then lowered until the forward booster shoe is supported by the shoe tracks 1304.

The missileabooster combination 300 is then moved aift in the tray 502. The carrier links 1306 and outboard ends of the forward booster shoe 203 are then moved aft in the shoe tracks 1304. All lateral movement of the forward booster shoe 203 is restricted by the shoe tracks 1304. Any fore and aft movement of (the missile4booster combination 300 in the tray 502 is restricted by the aft booster shoe guide block 1280 at the aft booster shoe receptacle and latch 12%, as shown in FIG. 3.

The compression springs 1308 on the front of the carrier links 1306 are then compressed. These springs 1308 are compressed against the front carrier link brackets 1312 by the carrier rods 1302. When the tray 502 is empty of a missile-booster combination 300, these springs 1308 hold the carrier links 1306 in their forward position.

When the tray 502 is to be unloaded of its missilebooster combination 300, the latter combination 300 is moved forward. At the end of the forward movement of the missile-booster combination 300, the lower forward booster shoe 203 is at the exit slots 13114 in the shoe tracks 1304 and the shoe 203 of the missile-booster combination may be raised out of the receptacle 1202.

The missile vibration dampener 1201, shown best in FIG. 1d, is the forwardmost component in the tray 502. It is physically connected to the forward shoe receptacle 1202 by the two carrier rods 1302. The missile vibration dampener 1201, also referred to as the forward support, supports the missile 100' of the missile-booster combination 300 in the ready service tray 502. It is a Combined spring support and hydraulic damper unit. Dampener 1201 is physically connected to the forward shoe receptacle 1202 and moves fore and aft with it.

The missile vibration dampener 1201 consists essentially of a left-hand and a right-hand track 1318 which supports the dampener 1201 and allows it to move fore and aft. An outer housing 1320, which forms the base for all the other components is provided for the missile vibration dampener 1201, and it is mounted to the tracks 1318 by rollers 1322.

An inner housing 1324, which makes physical contact with the missile 100 is also provided and it is connected to the outer housing 1320 through four coil springs 1326 and four piston assemblies 1328. The piston assemblies 1328 are hydraulically connected to a small accumulator 1340, shown schematically in FIG. 5, which is horizontally mounted on the aft end of the dampener 1201.

Two piston assemblies 1328 are located in each side of the dampener 1201, one behind the other, as shown in FIG. 42. The coil spring 1326 is mounted over each piston assembly 1328. Except for left-hand and righthand locations, the piston assemblies 1328 are the same and each consists, as shown in FIG. 5, of two sleeves 1342 and 1344 anchored in the bottom of the outer housing 1320.

A piston 1346 fits into both sleeves 1342 and 1344 and it is anchored to the inner housing 1324 at the top thereof. The inside of the piston 1346 contains an orifice 1348, an orifice sleeve 1350, a ball 1352, and a spring 1354. A plug 1356, which is theaded into the bottom of the piston 1346, has a valve stem 1358 formed on it. The plug 1356 supports the orifice 1348, and the sleeve 1350 and holds them in place.

In summary, when a missile-booster combination 300 is loaded into tray 502, it is supported at three places, namely by the lower forward and aft shoes 203 and 205 of the booster in the receptacles 1202 and 1203 and by the vibration dampener 1201 beneath the central part of the missile 100. The previously mentioned four coil springs 1326 in the dampener 1201 support the weight of the missile of the missile-booster combination 300. Each coil spring 1326 is mounted over the piston assembly 1328 effectively in parallel, as shown in FIG. 5.

The piston assemblies 1328 act as relief valves and are set at 3000 psi. During normal operating conditions, the fixed orifice 1348 in the piston assembly 1328 allows the hydraulic fluid to pass from one side of the piston 1346 to the other.

In the event of a high impact shock, when the hydraulic pressure on the bottom of the piston 1346 exceeds 3000 p.s.i., it unseats the ball 1352. This allows other hydraulic fluid in addition to that of the fixed orifice 1348 to enter the chamber at the top of the piston 1346. When the pressure on the bottom of the piston 1346 drops to below 3000 p.s.i., the ball 1352 reseats on the top of the orifice plug 1356. Any hydraulic fluid returning to the bottom of the piston 1346 must pass through the fixed orifice 1343 below the ball 1352.

The empty tray vibration absorber 1330, illustrated in FIG. 1e, is horizontally mounted in the tray 502. It is located between the forward shoe receptacle 1202 and the missile vibration dampener 1201. The function of the empty-tray vibration absorber 1330 is to absorb vibration of the tray 502 when it is empty.

The components of the vibration absorber 1330 include two rectangular-shaped housings 1332 which are connected and supported by two bonded leaf springs 1334. The vibration absorber 1330 is anchored to the tray 502 by a mounting bracket 1336 located at the center of the bonded springs 1334.

Each housing 1332 is divided into a series of eight internal compartments and contains 40.5 lbs. of steel shot and one quart of Silicone oil which are evenly distributed into the individual compartments. The top of the housing 1332 is closed with a cover 1338 which is bolted to the housing 1332. The bottom of each housing 1332 is provided with two stop plates which contact the tray 502 after approximately inch downward travel thereof. Each housing 1332 has a stop bracket which contacts the bottom of the tray after approximately inch travel in the upward movement. This limits the travel of the housing 1332 to approximately inch in either direction.

Any vibration of an empty tray 502 is transmitted into the tray vibration absorber 1330'. The vibration absorber 1330 counteracts any up and down movement of the tray 502. It cancels the movement of the tray 502 and tends to neutralize it.

The trays 502, as previously mentioned, form a part of the ready service mechanism 500. The ready service mechanism 500 is shown in FIG. 6 and consists of the front stand 504 and a rear stand 514 between which a plurality of trays 502 are supported in two tiers upon horizontal rails. The stands 504 and 514 have cooperatively operating pairs of end hoists 516 and 517 on the right side and similar cooperatively operating pairs of end hoists 518 and 519 on the right side. A pair of cooperative center hoists 508 and 509 are also provided for the upper tier only.

A tray indexing mechanism 800 is arranged to shift the top and bottom tiers of trays 502 oppositively either clockwise or counterclockwise in the ready service mechanism 500.

As shown in FIG. 7 and as previously mentioned each ready service mechanism 500 has ten ready service stations. These stations do not move but each station represents the space which can be occupied by one tray 502. If it is desired that an S type missile-booster combination 300 is to be raised by the pair of center hoists 508 and 509 to an overhead tramway or loader (not shown), the missile-booster combination 360 in station 4 is first raised in its tray 502 to station 3 by the right end pair of hoists 516 and 517. The indexing mechanism through an index arm 804 and a pair of crossheads 542 and 544 moves the upper tier of trays 502 leftward and the lower tier of trays 502 rightward. The desired S type missilebooster combination 300 is thus positioned from station 2 to station 1 where it can be lifted and removed from its tray 502 and the ready service mechanism 500.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. In a missile launching system for launching missiles provided with at least one pair of fore and aft arranged handling shoes, a top-loading missile tray for storing and handling said missiles comprising an elongated truss structure of substantially rectangular cross-section shaped to define an upwardly opening missile-receiving trough extending substantially throughout its length, a releasably lockable aft shoe receptacle means mounted adjacent one end of said tray to receive the aft most of said handling shoes, a missile type indicating means interconnected with and actuated by said aft shoe receptacle means when the latter means is moved between its locked and unlocked positions, a releasably lockable forward shoe receptacle means slidably mounted on said tray forwardly of said aft shoe receptacle means to be selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions, a vibration dampener means slidably mounted on said tray forwardly of said forward shoe receptacle means,

said dampener means being mechanically interconnected with said forward receptacle shoe means and slidably actuated thereby.

2. A missile tray as defined in claim 1 wherein said aft shoe receptacle means comprises a guide block slidably mounted to move between locked and unlocked positions, a spring-biased latch plunger coacting with said guide block to releasably retain the latter in its locked position, said missile type indicating means being connected to said latch plunge-r to be actuated thereby.

References Cited by the Examiner OTHER REFERENCES Aviation Week, All-Terrain Vehicle Handles Corporal, July 22, 1957, page 59.

Ground Support Equipment, October/November 1959, page 104. Missile Tray Made by B and P.

BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner.

ARTHUR M. HORTON, Examiner.

S. W. ENGLE, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN A MISSILE LAUNCHING SYSTEM FOR LAUNCHING MISSILES PROVIDED WITH AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF FORE AND AFT ARRANGED HANDLING SHOES, A TOP-LOADING MISSILE TRAY FOR STORING AND HANDLING SAID MISSILES COMPRISING AN ELONGATED TRUSS STRUCTURE OF SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR CROSS-SECTION SHAPED TO DEFINE AN UPWARDLY OPENING MISSILE-RECEIVING TROUGH EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY THROUGHOUT ITS LENGTH, A RELEASABLY LOCKABLE AFT SHOE RECEPTACLE MEANS MOUNTED ADJACENT ONE END OF SAID TRAY TO RECEIVE THE AFT MOST OF SAID HANDLING SHOES, A MISSILE TYPE INDICATING MEANS INTERCONNECTED WITH AND ACTUATED BY SAID AFT SHOE RECEPTACLE MEANS WHEN THE LATTER MEANS IS MOVED BETWEEN ITS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED POSITIONS, A RELEASABLY LOCKABLE FORWARD SHOE RECEPTACLE MEANS SLIDABLY MOUNTED ON SAID TRAY FORWARDLY OF SAID AFT SHOE RECEPTACLE MEANS TO BE SELECTIVELY MOVABLE BETWEEN LOCKED AND UNLOCKED POSITIONS, A VIBRATIONS DAMPENER MEANS SLIDABLY MOUNTED ON SAID TRAY FORWARDLY OF SAID FORWARD SHOE RECEPTACLE MEANS, SAID DAMPENER MEANS BEING MECHANICALLY INTERCONNECTED WITH SAID FORWARD RECEPTACLE SHOE MEANS AND SLIDABLY ACTUATED THEREBY. 